Heathrow ground handlers strike suspended

Strike action due to begin on Friday December 16 at Heathrow airport involving ground handlers employed by Menzies has been suspended following last ditch peace talks.

Menzies confirmed to Air Cargo News that cargo handlers were not involved in the most recently planned strike action.

Talks have been held between Unite the union and Menzies over the dispute on pay. During the talks, Menzies made an improved pay offer and in response Unite suspended the planned strike action.

Unite will now ballot its members on the revised pay offer.

Strike action scheduled to begin on Thursday 29 December remains in place pending the outcome of the ballot of members.

Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, EVP Europe, Menzies Aviation, said on December 16: “We are pleased to announce that following a positive meeting today, Unite have postponed the strikes that were planned for this weekend to allow them to take a revised pay offer to their members. 

“We are hopeful that this revised offer will be accepted allowing us to give our employees their well-deserved pay increase and we can focus on delivering the best service during this busy holiday period.” 

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Unite has been adamant that Menzies was able to offer an improved pay offer and that has proved to be the case.

“As an act of goodwill, the strike action scheduled to begin tomorrow has been suspended so that members can be balloted on the new offer.”